Volume 12 Number 6 Many Lives...One Heart June, 2007 THE DEAN S MESSAGE. Filling our soul in the summertime

Transcription

1 Saint Sophia HERALD Volume 12 Number 6 Many Lives...One Heart June, 2007 THE DEAN S MESSAGE Filling our soul in the summertime Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfector of our faith. Hebrews 12:1 St. Paul defines in His epistle to the Hebrews, what we must strive for in life. The season on summer has arrived. School has come to a close. Church ministries tend to slow down. Most of our parishes shut down Sunday school and the Adult Education Ministries. Summer is a time when most of us slow down our schedules and desire to relax. Vacations are healthy for the family. The summer can be a wonderful time for us to spend quality time with our family and friends. Some of the best vacations can be experienced in our own backyards. The church celebrates the major Feast of Pentecost during a season when most people are trying to take a break. In June we celebrate the Sunday of All Saints. The Feast of All Saints is not a left over Sunday for people named Bubba or Wolfgang to celebrate their name day. The church celebrates the entire family of God, the family of holy men and women dedicated to God. The Feast of All Saints celebrates the family to whom you and I belong. We should be thankful and take advantage of the major Feasts being celebrated in the summer. It is good for us to slow down our worldly schedules this summer and reflect on the spiritual schedule which gives us the ultimate rest of heart and soul. Sometimes we in the parish think we are making progress just by adding another program to our parish ministry. Service to the Lord is more than programs. It is a living experience day to day in the presence of God. Instead of cramming one more program into our lives or expecting the parish to provide extra fun incentives for our kids, perhaps it is time for us to remember and rejoice in the gift we have and rejoice in the gift we receive at Pentecost. We have been given the gift of Holy Spirit. We celebrate the gift of the presence of God in our lives through the church. Pentecost celebrates that we do not have to be separated from God or from one another in areas of life that really count. Embrace the Feasts of our Lord and His mother the Theotokos this summer. Spend time with your family and friends. Invite them to your home and share your love and enthusiasm for God. Miracles can happen in the summer. Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, when confronted by a convert of the faith said I also am a convert. Each and every day I am converted to a deeper understanding and relationship with my Lord and God. Summer is a time for real conversions for ourselves as we have a rest in the Lord. A happy and joyous summer to all. See you in church. In Christ, Fr. John Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean - Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant 1324 S. Normandie Avenue -Los Angeles, CA Tel Fax

2 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, if any one thirst, let him come to me and drink I am the light of the world, he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but he will have the light of life. Pentecost Message May was filled with excitement and joy. It started with an elegant Mother s Day Luncheon honoring Mother of the Year Mrs. Frances Bissias; several hundred guests filled the Beverly Wilshire Hotel to spend an afternoon with relatives and friends. His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos honored us with his presence at the luncheon, and the following Sunday, here at the Cathedral, he presented Mrs. Bissias with the Archdiocese s Medal of Saint Paul, indeed a great honor to be vested upon any individual and we are proud to have one of our own as a recipient, AXIA!!! Congratulations to George and Helen Varentges for being this year s seniors of the Year. We are blessed to have such an elite BUILDING FUND COMMITTEE under the Chairmanship of Mr.Gig Kyriacou who volunteers endless hours, with dedication, to bring the Foundation s vision into reality. The campaign is now in full swing!!! On May 21st the Feast day of St.Constantine and Helen was celebrated with a Divine Liturgy that ended with a Mnimosino in memory of our Cathedral s Great Benefactor Charlie Skouras, may his memory be eternal. Next year we will be celebrating the same Liturgy at the new Chapel of Saint Constantine. On May 27th His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos celebrated the Devine Liturgy of Pentecost, indeed a major Holiday of importance in Orthodoxy, it is the BIRTHDAY of our Christian Church. As we approach the mid year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your past support and generosity and to remind you to continue with your generous Stewardship contributions during the dry months of Summer. Usually Summer is the time for vacations, however the Church never goes on vacation, obligations never go on vacation, and the Ministry of our work never stops, it continues through the year. Thank you for your financial support, it is the seal of approval for our work in the Cathedral. Here are six physical factors, adopted from Rick Warren s award winning book: The Purpose Driven Church Lighting has a profound effect in people s mood. God s character is express in light, 1 John 1:5 says: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. Sound, without sound there is no service. WE are blessed to have received the best sound system, thanks to Mr. Chris Pelonis. Seating, personal space is highly valued in our society; our Cathedral provides that kind of space. Temperature; the temperature will rise quickly once the service starts, keeping the temperature on the cool side will keep parishioners awake. Clean, safe nurseries; we are proud of our nursery, it is sanitized, safe and kudos to our staff for a job well done. Clean restrooms; you can tell a lot about the morale of a Church by checking out the quality of the restrooms. We are very proud to have the best restrooms in the industry. Last but not least, our LA Fest 2007 is rapidly approaching and the winning team of Ted and Jan Pastras is hard at work to ensure that every detail is taking care of; when you are called upon, please be generous with your time and blessings so again this year we can have another great Fest. Congratulations to all Grads and Dads. Happy summer to all and thank you for your support. In His Service Panos A. Angels- Angeletopoulos HAPPY FATHER S DAY TO ALL

3 PHILOPTOHOS 2007 Mother s Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, Songs My Mother Taught Me, was held on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Chairman Susan Patzakis and her committee; Irene Frankos, Tina Callas, Jennie Doumak, Jackie Callas, Melina Webster Pyle, Helene Dameris, Dianne Starros, Helen Ellis, Bebe Paul, Karen Sarames, Frances Bissias, Pauline Evangelatos, Sophie Mastor, Dina Oldknow, Christine Haidos, Sonia Stathes, Anna Kruse, Helen Lambros, Michele Patzakis Prappas, Dorothy Spirus and Mary Tassop, created a magical day filled with excitement, joy and goodwill. The event broke all previous records in attendance (over 640 guests) and in every other category. We want to especially thank our Mother of the Year Frances Bissias for helping make this day so successful. The Grand Awards led by Jackie Callas and the Silent Auction led by Melina Webster Pyle and Helene Dameris were the most spectacular ever. We congratulate these energetic and innovative young women! One of the highlights of the afternoon was the musical program featuring our own Michele Patzakis Prappas and the Mother s Day Children s Chorus who together gave a fabulous performance. Their program included such songs as Rise and Shine, An Pas Sti Kalamata and Anthismeni Amigdalia. We are deeply grateful to all of you who helped make this event such a resounding success. We had a wonderful time and It exceeded everyone s expectations were just a few of the comments made by those attending. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and donated toward the Program Book, Grand Awards and Silent Auction. Your support has enabled Philoptohos to continue its philanthropic mission. The entire event netted more than $51,000. FRANCES BISSIAS WAS PRESENTED THE ARCHDIOCESE MEDAL OF SAINT PAUL BY HIS EMINENCE METROPOLITAN GERASIMOS From left to right: Fr. John, Peter Bissias (Frances son), Frances Bissias, Metropolitan Gerasimos, Fr. Bill

4 PHILOPTOHOS V.I.P. Bingo Luncheon The party you have been waiting for has arrived. Philoptohos VIP s are inviting and treating the VIP paid members to a fabulous Bingo Luncheon with many exciting Prizes. DATE: Thursday, June 14, 2007 TIME: 11:30 AM PLACE: Saint Sophia Cathedral Fellowship Hall Paid VIP members: No charge -Non members: $10 Reservations only, by Monday, June 11, 2007 as requested by the caterer. Please call Bessie Bornino, Chair at (323) or (323) , or Helen Varentges, Co-Chair at (818) The fun will begin when you arrive. MEMORIALS Sunday, June 3 William Chagares, Andrew Demetriou, Maria Demetriou, Andrew A. Demetriou, Peter and Marigo Kyriax, Tom and Katherine Caras, Voula and John Fassos, Lambros J. Stamatiades, Chris Andreadis, Gregory P. Pappas. Sunday, June 10 Evangelos Prineas, Ernie Ales, John and Anna Dakis. Sunday, June 17 Perry Caiopoulos, Bea Papadopoulos. Sunday, June 24 Theodore and Catherine Titonis, Pete Metevelis, William Paul..O Connor, Theodore and Mary Stringos, Bessie Stringos. FANTASTIC TRIP AWAITS YOU - MIRAGE LAS VEGAS 3 day Motor Coach Departing October 1, 2007 Double: $ Single: $ Tour Price Includes: Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation - 2 Nights Hotel Accommodations -2 Breakfast Buffets, Driver s Gratuity - Tax and Baggage Handling. For reservations please call: Amelia Skoutaris or Kathy Erwin PANAMA CANAL CRUISE - The VIP S of Philoptohos would like you to join them on a beautiful and fun loving 15 day cruise through the Panama Canal. It will depart on February 6, 2008 from Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles. For more information and to reserve your space, please call Catherine Erwin at or Amelia Skoutaris at SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM Vicki Kades MINISTRY OF THE MONTH Each summer several hundred children from our community, and other communities join together for a month of camp. These campers not only enjoy fantastic fun, social and physical activities, but poignant spiritual themes as well. In fact, the camp is designed to be a true retreat spot for our children, a place where the demands of daily life can temporarily be left behind and the spiritual life can be explored and strengthend. Local clergy, college students, parents and youth leaders, staff the camp each summer. The Camp Committee is the group of dedicated individuals who manage the camp programs and meet monthly to discuss the programs & logistics of each camp season. Golf Tournament - Gordon Freshman Tennis Tournament - Mary-Kay Demetriou Annual fund raising events, in support of the camping program, include the ever popular golf and Tennis tournament. These events are well received, and eveyone enjoys the competition and camaraderie. Volunteers and support are always needed and are gladly welcome.

5 Aileen Preonas Sam Zagorianos Alexandra Georgiou Konstantinos Kontes Steve Skoutaris Alexia Haidos Valerie Liauro Cynthia Paulos Daniel Kirages Jeannie Fotinakes Angeliki Pentheroudakis Susan Simitzi Dean Ananias George Miserlis Maria Spentzos Donna Mellos Erica Callas Chrisoula Hagianakis JUNE BIRTHDAYS Alexandros Oxyzoglou Bertha Angels Lillian Latsis Christine Callas Nadine Parkos Alexis Noyes Nicholas Howard Adriana Callas Rita Stephanou Aliki Vourakis Diane Lapa Melanie O Regan Georgia Nichols Brent Noyes Anastasia Cokas Mary Koufoudakis Frances Karavedas JUNE ANNIVERSARIES JUNE EPISTLE READERS & USHERS Sunday, June 3rd READER: Timi L. Freshman USHERS Gene Chronopoulos Alexandra Georgiou Christina Georgiou Rosemary Georgiou George Baln Sunday, June 17th READER: Lili Maglaris USHERS Demetri Athanasios Alexandra Guirguis Pete Pallas Dinah Wellington Shelmadine Wellington Dorothy and David Spirus Maria Elena and George Konugres Demetra and Zissis Koutsos Carole and James Xanthos Helen and Anthony Demetriou Julia and Thomas Judge Helen and George Cappos Virginia and Brent Noyes Katherine and Georg Fenady Sunday, June 10th READER: Demetri Camperos USHERS Niki Korbakis Fofo Panagakis Maria Pelargos Alex Markos Lulu Kappas Sunday, June 24th READER: Helene Ballas USHERS Steve Kargas Lisa Zollo Athan Dimitri John Stamatiades Electra Koutsoukos SACRAMENTS BAPTISMS Saturday, June 2 Canon Dean Luke Kayyem, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Kayyem Godparent: Ellie Andre Tabbah Wednesday, June 6 Nicholas Nosis, son of George and Nara Nosis Godparents: Yota Nosis and Tom Ecker Saturday, June 9 Sophia Amelie Melkonyan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andranik Melkonyan Godparents: Nicolae and Mariana Goschin Sunday, June 10 Christina Nicole Constantinou, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Costas Constantinou Godparents: Nicole and George Pitsos Saturday, June 23 Sofia Eleni Manpearl, dauther of Mr. and Mrs. David Manpearl Godparents: Marisa Theodoratos and Marisa Eliades Saturday, June 30 Alec Salatin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Salatin Godparent: Tara Piliaris Saturday, June 30 Andrew Charles, son of Issa and Nara Youssef Godparents: Nick Spanos and Christine Hess WEDDINGS Saturday, June 2 Peter Mellis and Grace Wang Sponsor: George Logothetis Saturday, June 16 Elizabeth Kyriacou and Michael Syrengelas Sponsor: Spiro Beckas Saturday, June 23 Christina Zanetos and Richard Pawelczyk Sponsor: John Zanetos Parish General Assembly Sunday, June 10th After Liturgy

6 CAMP AXIOS Camp Axios is looking for staff & counselors This summer, Camp Axios is expanding with a 2nd week now available The camp is two 5-day sessions. We are accepting applications for either week. We pay all our staff and counselors. Camp Axios is an outreach camping program of St. Sophia Cathedral organized for inner city youth. Our program is taking place at a campsite in Orange County, and we are currently accepting applications for staff, jr. counselor & counselor positions. Staff and counselors must be at least 18 years old and jr. counselors should be at least 15 years old. This is a great opportunity to offer Christian service and hospitality to those in great need. I encourage all teenagers & college students to use this opportunity to offer Christian service to those truly hungry for it. When we give of ourselves, we truly receive the gift of joy from God. May 1st. To register online and for additional information please visit our web site at You may also contact our administrative assistant, Vicki Kades,at saintsophiacamp@msn. com or by phone at for more information or registration forms. APPLY NOW TO BE A CAMP COUNSELOR AT SAINT SO- PHIA CAMP! The Saint Sophia Camp Committee is looking for highly motivated, responsible and enthusiastic young adults over 18 to be camp counselors this summer. The first week is scheduled from Sunday, July 29 through Saturday, August 4; and the second week will be from Sunday, August 4 through Saturday, August 11. There will be a $100 stipend, per week, offered to counselors. We will be holding camp this summer at Camp Seeley which is located in the San Bernardino Mountains. Applications are online at You may also contact our administrative assistant, Vicki Kades, at saintsophiacamp@msn.com or by phone at for more information or application forms. If you are interested, please call Fr. Bill Tragus or Andrea Boerger at (323) or frtragus@stsophia.org. The 1st week is from July 2nd 6th and the 2nd week is from July 30th to August 3rd. The Camp Axios website is SAINT SOPHIA CAMP The Saint Sophia Camp Committee once again thanks you for your continued support and participation. Because of your support and our hard work, we are pleased to announce Summer Camp 2007! We have planned another fun-filled and enriching year and as always a program that continues providing programs that will teach our children about the Orthodox faith so that they may grow in spirituality and as individuals. Our unique camping atmosphere promotes Orthodox Christian Fellowship by bonding the youth of Southern California, creating life-long friendships and thereby increasing their interest and participation in church programs and ministries. Please encourage your young people to attend. Love in Christ, The Saint Sophia Camp Committee Saint Sophia Summer Camp 2007! The Saint Sophia Camp Committee has been hard at work planning a fantastic 2007 summer camp season. Our summer camping program will continue with a shortened season at a rented facility. There will be two weeks of camp. The first week is scheduled from Sunday, July 29 through Saturday, August 4; and the second week will be from Saturday, August 4 through Saturday, August 11. Camp will again take place at Camp Seeley located in the San Bernardino Mountains ( near Lake Gregory and the Village of Crestline). You can check out Camp Online registration opens St. Sophia Cathedral Recognition For High School and College Graduates Sunday, June 10, 2007 (Immediately following Divine Liturgy) The form below will help us to establish the List of Graduates. If the Graduate is unable to be present, we hope the parents will be with us to receive and accept the recognition. In order for us to include the Graduates names in our list, please return the info below by Tuesday, June 5th, 2007 to our Church Office. For questions: Fr Bill at (323) frtragus@stsophia.org Graduate s Name School Graduating From Degree Phone: E:mail

7 John Sakellaris Celebrates 90th Birthday John Sakellaris, longtime president of the Board of Trustees and a member of one of the original families in the Greek Community will celebrate his 90th Birthday on June 3rd! John S. Sakellaris was born in Los Angeles on May 25, 1917 to Katherine and Selas Sakellaris who were from Astros Greece. John was married in 1948 by the late Patriarch Athenagoras to Lea Evangeline Gialketsis (of blessed memory 1980). John has two daughters, Diane Elizabeth Lapa (Donald J.) and Cynthia Ann Sakellaris, two grandsons Damon John (married to Melanie) and Ryan Christopher Lapa. John s greatest joy is his first great-grandson Braden Reece now almost one year old. John resides in the Century City/Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles. John graduated from Los Angeles Polytechnic High School and attended UCLA and the University of Missouri. He graduated from the American Institute of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Washington in Seattle. John was elected Vice-President of Security Pacific National Bank in 1963 and assigned to the Corporate Executive Banking Division where he was responsible for correspondent banking on a national scale. He retired as Vice-President of Security Pacific National Bank, Los Angeles after 48 years of service. John has served his Greek Orthodox Church and community for over 80 years. He was an Altar Boy, member of the Choir, Treasurer of the first Parish Council at the Church of the Annunciation on San Julian Street, member and first Treasurer of the Saint Sophia Cathedral Parish Council. In 1952, John was appointed by Mr. Charles P. Skouras as Comptroller of the newly organized Saint Sophia Foundation. He was elected a member of the Board of Trustees in 1960 and Treasurer in In 1987, he was elected President of the Board of Trustees and continues to serve in this capacity. Under John s administration, the Trustees have been responsible for the building of the Saint Sophia residence, the renovation of the Community Center, the expansion of parking facilities, the construction of the Walk of the Blessing Hand and Wall of Honor, and the restoration, beautification and improvement of the Cathedral itself and its property. In addition to being a Life Member and Steward of Saint Sophia Cathedral, John was the donor of the Blessed Hand on the Walk of the Blessing Hand and two of the mosaic Icons in the Dome of St. Sophia Cathedral. In 1992, John was recognized for his dedication and earned the designation of Archon Hartophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople by Archbishop Iakovos of North and South America. John is a sustaining donor to the Patriarch Athenagoras Institute of Orthodoxy, Holy Cross Seminary, Hellenic College, St. Basil s Academy, local and national Philoptohos Societies, the Order of Ahepa, the Headmaster s Circle at Harvard-Westlake School, the Building for Excellence Campaign at the University of Southern California, the Keck School of Medicine of USC and the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Hospital. In addition to spending time and traveling with his family and friends, John especially enjoys his grandchildren Damon, Melanie and Ryan and great grandson, Braden. John loves golf and is a member of the Wilshire Country Club. When time and his health permit, he plays golf with the Sportsmen Golf Group (founded in 1960) and the Greek Army. However, his great passion in life is the time he spends each day in his Cathedral office working on the vision and future of his beloved St. Sophia.

8 COMMUNITY NEWS ST. CONSTANTINE MEMORIAL CHAPEL At the initiative and generosity of the Skouras-Oldknow family, the current mausoleum containing the remains of the much loved and respected founder of our cathedral, Charles Skouras, and artist-iconographer, William Chavalas, will be replaced by a new memorial chapel. The new St. Constantine Memorial Chapel will not only be the final resting place of Mr. Skouras and Mr. Chavalas, but it will be a usable active chapel. In the new chapel, appropriate weekday Liturgies will be celebrated. In addition, small funerals and memorial services can be held there. Sunday school Divine Liturgies, numerous religious and worship services can and will take place there as well. This has all been made possible by the extra-ordinary generosity of the Oldknow family. Making a significant financial contribution to the project is the Alek Haidos family. In the days ahead you will notice construction taking place. The project is scheduled to be finished by Christmas of this year. CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE OF OUR OWN Ms. A Receives an A+ From Students and Judges Chosen as one of the five teachers to receive the 2007 Lori Petrick Award, Tanya Angeletopoulos is also a winner with her fifth grade students, who call her Ms. A. During Teacher Appreciation Week, Angeletopoulos students surprised her with a book that included drawings of her as well as comments. Ms. A. has been teaching for seven years, all at Palisades Charter Elementary. She began with a kindergarten/first grade class, and although she admits it was challenging, she already had the makings of a veteran teacher because even then she knew, You can try to teach the whole class but you have to remember to teach each individual. Although many people would agree that optimal learning is student created, it s actually a good teacher who is able to facilitate and guide that process. Angeletopoulos grew up in Los Angeles and has two sisters, one an accountant, the other a teacher. Her mother is a teacher and her father, who is retired, worked as a manager for Albertsons. After graduating from University High School, she attended Cal State Northridge, where she received her teaching credential. Tanya is the daughter of proud Saint Sophia parents Bertha & Panos Angels. Panos is known to all as our Saint Sophia Cathedral President. CONGRATULATION MELANIE O REGAN! Melanie O Regan, Tireless worker for the Lord through our Cathedral has just been elected as the new chairperson of the Camp Committee. Joining her as vice-chair is Ted Wolf from St. Katherine. The new treasurer is Tina Callas and the secretary is Kathy Spilos. The camping program is a vital youth ministry not only for St. Sophia youngsters, but the children coming from all of our Southern California parishes. Encourage your friends and families to send their children to St. Sophia Camp. It is an incredible experience which brings our children closer to our faith. The Hellenic American Medical and Dental Society of Southern California invites medical and dental students of Hellenic descent to apply for S. James Vamvas Scholarships for the academic year, The scholarships are open to Greek-American medical and dental students enrolled in accredited California schools and California residents attending schools in other parts of the Unitesd States. For information and application, contact George C. Emmanouilides, M.D,, HAMDS Scholarship Chair, 4619 Browndeer Lane, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90275, or telephone (310) or (310) Applications will be accepted until July 31, Saint Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church in San Diego will be hosting their 38th Annual Greek Festival on June 8, 9 and 10, 2007 at 3655 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA For more information visit sdgreekfestival.com or call: The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival is celebrating Greek filmmakers and Hellenism on June 14-17, For tickets and information call or visit Perry Lambert stars in Five Course Love! Book, Music and Lyrics by Gregg Coffin - Directed by Caryn Desai. Straight from off-broadway, Caryn Desai directs the hysterical musical comedy, Five Course Love at the International Center Theatre in Long Beach from June 12th through July 15th. Actor, Comedian, Impressionist and Singer, Perry Lambert, who has appeared in over 50 theatrical productions including City of Angels starring Hal Linden, supervised by Larry Gelbart and Cy Coleman, will be co-starring with Christopher Carothers and Jennifer Shelton. Each of the three actors take on five different roles, as they search for love in five very different restaurants. An evening full of laughs and love, this is a fun Southern California Premiere you don t want to miss! Performance Location: International Center Theatre is located at 300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA in the Center Theater of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. The Center Theatre is located behind the larger Terrace Theater. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with a Sunday matinee. The I.C.T. offers great discounts for groups of 15 or more with a minimum of $10 off each ticket. Call or Denis Nigos, I.C.T. Sales Manager, for more details at , extension 19 or denis@ictlongbeach.org. For more information on Perry Lambert please visit his website at:

9 THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY THE PROPOSED NEW SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, SPORTS AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTER We are celebrating the 100th ANNIVERSARY of The Greek Community in Los Angeles June 7, 2008 Co-Chairs Vickie Zaferis Ambatielos and Timi Loomos Freshman If you would like to be on the committee, please call: or

10 Are you between the ages of 0 to 3 years old? Do you like to have fun and play? Does your Mommy like to get out? If you answered yes to any of the following questions then you should join Budding Angels A new group that will meet once a month here at Saint Sophia! Our first meeting will be on Wednesday September 19th In Saint Basil s room 10:00 11:30 Father Bill will give a talk for the parents the last half hour of each meeting. There will be a Yiayia, Thea, or another happy adult Volunteer there to watch us so our parents can have a break. If your Mommy has any questions, have her Presbytera Mia at PresMia@yahoo.com Or call (323) P.S. If you know a Yiayia, Thea, or another adult that would like to volunteer to watch us, have her call Fr. Bill at (323)

11 SAINT SOPHIA GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL MONTHLY BULLETIN JUNE 2007 Very Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas, Dean Rev. Fr. Bill Tragus, Assistant Constance Callinicos, Choir Director Menelaos Trigonis, Protopsaltis Christopher Yokas, Organist SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL PARISH COUNCIL Tom Martin, 1st Vice President Sam Konugres, Recording Secretary Panos A. Angels, President Loula B. Moschonas, 2nd Vice President Stephanie Caiopoulos Lubian, Treasurer MEMBERS Lawrence Hughes Alexa Pagonas Karen Sarames Ted Pastras Heidi Sandstrom Sebastian Opffer Associates: Eleni Constantine, Angela Karavedas, Luke Richard Curren, Mark Gorgal AUDITING COMMITTEE Tom Moore Anthony Demetriou SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES John S. Sakellaris, President Angelo L. Pappas, Exec.Vice President Dr. James A. Demetriou, Treasurer MEMBERS Andrew Evangelatos, Vice President Constantine Boukidis, Secretary V. Rev. Fr. John S. Bakas Gig Kyriacou John T. Pappas Nicholas Bissias Panos A. Angels George Preonas Alek Haidos William H. Oldknow Harry C. Vournas Peter C. Latsis, Honorary Presidential Appointments Anthony A. Demetriou Tina Callas Timi Loomos Freshman Susan Patzakis Assistant to the President Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant PHILOPTOHOS SOCIETY Irene Frankos, President Dianne Starros, 1st Vice President Mary Gallanis, Recording Secretary Tina Callas, Treasurer Virginia Noyes, 2nd Vice President Bess Pappas, Corresponding Secretary Frances Bissias, Assistant Treasurer Connie Cooper, Advisor MEMBERS Helene Ballas Pauline Evangelatos A. Electra Koutsoukos Dina Oldknow Scarlett Ann Billis Lola Gialketsis Pauline Ladicos Susan Patzakis Jennie Doumak Christine Haidos Sophie Mastor Diane Pruett Sonia Stathes OTHER MINISTRIES Altar Boys - Fr. Bill Tragus Choir - Constance Callinicos Greek School - Helen Dumas, Director Church School - Eleni Yokas Philoptohos V.I.P. - Alex Markos, President Margaret Gillespe, Principal Camp - Melanie O Regan Dance Groups - Fr. Bill Tragus G.O.Y.A. - Fr. Bill Tragus Youth - Fr. Bill Tragus Bible Study - Fr. John & Fr. Bill Book Store -Alexandra & LarryHughes L.A. Greek Fest - Jan & Ted Pastras Philanthropia - Fr. Peter Lambert Art Class - George Will Editor in Chief - Timi Loomos Fresh Assistant Editor - Dean James Loomos

12 Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1324 S. Normandie Ave Los Angeles, CA TIME SENSITIVE FIRST CLASS MAIL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED JUNE OBITUARY Sofia Adamson, 90; survived occupation of WWII Manila In 1941 Sofia Adamson was a university dean in the Philippines when two U.S. Army majors recruited her to work for Gen. Douglas MacArthur. At headquarters, Adamson sat a few feet from MacArthur s office, performing a vital service; He gave orders to the troops. She typed them up. But with the Japanese overpowering U.S. and Filipino soldiers and the capture of the Philippines imminent, MacArthur fled to Australia. Adamson remained and endured three years of Japanese occupation. In 1945, when American troops returned to liberate Manila, Adamson was seriously injured by firendly fire injuries that led to the awarding of a Purple Heart more than 50 years later. Adamson, who became a philanthropist and co-founder of the Pacific Asia Museum, died of a heart attack and other ailments at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasaena, her nephew Thano Adamson said. She was 90. In 1982 Adamson published God, Angels, Pearls and Roses, her autobiography, whose title summed up the facets of her life. Gods refered to her Greek heritage, angels to the childhood in Los Angeles, pearls to Manila, known as the pearl of the Orient, and roses to her life in Pasadena. Adamson was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on August 24, 1916, to Greek Immigrant parents. She earned a bachelor s degree in education from UCLA in Two years later she married George Adamson and moved to the Philippines, where she became dean of education at Adamson University, an engineering school founded by her husband. Because of their Greek heritage, the couple were not imprisoned at Santo Tomas, like other Americans during the Japanese occupation, but were allowed to live in an apartment house. The 1945 Times article called Adamson and her husband, who was also wounded, the only two white persons who had a grant seat during the entire surrender, Japanese occupation and finally the recapture of Manila. After leaving Manila, the couple spent most of the rest of their lives in Pasadena, where Adamson became deeply involved in civic groups, including those based in the Greek American community. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. Her husband died in The injuries she suffered during the liberation of Manila left her hospitalized for months and caused her to make many trips to the operating table. In 1998, the year she received the Purple Heart, she was preparing for her 32nd orthopedic operation. And believe me, she told a reporter for ABC World News This Morning, this award came and I ve forgotten all about the pain. A funeral service was held at Saint Sophia Cathedral on Thursday May 25th.